Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has issued an order allowing the issuance of Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates to individuals from Scheduled Castes who have converted to Buddhism. The Social Welfare Department stated that this applies to persons belonging to any of the 101 Scheduled Castes listed in the state.
The order, issued on October 6, 2025, specifies that individuals from the 101 Scheduled Castes in Karnataka who have converted to Buddhism will be eligible for SC certificates under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (Reservation in Appointments, etc.) Act, 1990, as amended in 2024.
Allowing Entry of Buddhism in the Religion Column
The order permits applicants to enter "Buddhism" in the religion column of their SC certificate applications.
Inclusion of Buddhism in Educational Documents
Applicants and their families may also choose to record "Buddhism" in the religion column of records at educational institutions under the Department of School Education and Literacy, including government schools, private schools, and other relevant institutions. The order directs all government departments, boards, corporations, and other institutions in Karnataka to comply accordingly.
This decision builds on a 1990 letter from the Central Government, which led to a state circular in 2013 allowing SC certificates for those converted to Buddhism.
Although the Central Government issued further directives to chief secretaries of all states in 2016 to ensure SC individuals who convert to Buddhism receive their certificates, various organizations have sought clarifications and formal orders on the matter.
Buddhists are recognized as a religious minority in Karnataka, alongside Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, and Jains.
